Oh no! You think your hot tub has sprung a leak! This certainly isn’t a pleasant experience, and it’s one that should be handled quickly to ensure that if there is a leak, damage doesn’t spread.
If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through how to handle a hot tub leak, from how to diagnose it and common causes, to actions you can take to mitigate damage before calling in the professionals.
With such a pressing issue, let’s not waste any time and dive right into troubleshooting!
How to Know if Your Hot Tub Has a Leak
So you think you have a hot tub leak, but you’re not quite sure how to tell. The last thing you want to do is schedule a service appointment only to find out there was no need.
So, how exactly do you tell if you have a leak?
The number one sign that your hot tub is leaking is a sudden drop in the water level, beyond the typical.
Evaporation is a normal occurrence. However, this should only account for 2.5 cm to 5 cm per week. If you’re losing more than that, it’s a surefire sign your spa has a leak somewhere.
Alternatively, you may discover soft or discoloured areas on your shell or around your spa, or notice unexplainable damp areas. However, in the case of a leak, these will always be accompanied by a drop in water level.
Possible Causes of Hot Tub Leaks
Leaks in your hot tub can happen for a number of reasons, and being aware of common causes is crucial in the troubleshooting process.
Damaged Seals
The seals in your spa are key components, ensuring water stays where it’s meant to be without leaking everywhere.
However, over time, these seals can break down, especially when regularly exposed to improperly balanced water.
As they wear down, they can become ineffective at stopping water from seeping through, resulting in a leaky spa.
Failing Equipment or Plumbing
Hot tubs are complex units, relying on various parts working together to create that blissful experience you’ve come to know and love.
But with various moving parts, comes the risk of equipment failing over time, whether it’s through cracks forming on your pipes, or damage to your pump or heater.
A Weakened Shell
Your shell is constantly in contact with the water in your spa, which can lead to wear and tear over the years, especially when exposed to unbalanced water for extended periods of time.
This can result in corrosion weakening your shell, making it more susceptible to cracks.
Improper Installation
As you already know, installing your spa on a flat, level surface is key in keeping the weight evenly distributed and minimising damage over time.
However, if your spa was improperly installed, that uneven weight can result in leaks as water adds more pressure to one side of your spa.
DIY Hot Tub Leak Troubleshooting & Repair
When it comes to hot tub leaks, it can be tempting to try to tackle the issue yourself, and while there are times when this is possible, others will inevitably require professional assistance.
So how do you know if it’s a leak you can handle DIY style?
Here are a few easy steps to help you diagnose the issue and determine if it’s something that requires an expert’s touch.
Step 1: Inspect Your Spa
First and foremost, if you suspect a hot tub leak, you’ll need to inspect your spa. Start by examining both the exterior and interior of the hot tub, looking for any unexpected wet areas.
This could include oddly placed puddles or damp, dripping pipe connections.
Step 2: Find Out How Much Water You’re Losing
Remember how we said missing water from your tub was the main sign of a leak? Now’s the time to determine just how much water you’re losing.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn off the pumps
- Place a piece of tape just above the water line.
- Wait 24 hours, then measure how much water you lost. If it’s only a small amount, leave the piece of tap in place and wait 2-3 days before measuring again.
As you move through this process, don’t use the spa, allowing the water level to drop naturally for the most accurate result.
Remember, losing a few centimetres each week is standard. If it’s more than this, a leak is likely.
Step 3: Rule Out Alternative Causes
If you’ve discovered that you indeed have a significant loss of water, it’s time to narrow down the root cause.
Before picking up the phone to call your hot tub service team, there are a few steps you can take yourself.
First, check your cover for any wear and tear that may be responsible for the increased water loss. Look for things like cracks or holes, and ensure it fits snuggly around the lip of your spa.
If your cover is deemed in good shape, turn your attention to your drain valve, ensuring it’s tightly sealed and no water is seeping out.
Finally, check your spa’s equipment, looking for any loose union fittings and tighten them accordingly.
If you made any adjustments to these elements, refill your spa back up to the water line, and follow the steps in step two again to determine if you’ve found the culprit.
When It’s Time to Schedule Professional Service
If you’ve followed the above steps to no avail, it’s time to schedule a service appointment.
Hot tub leaks are serious issues and can result in additional damage to your spa and costly repairs if not dealt with quickly.
If you suspect a hot tub leak and can’t determine and repair the cause through the steps above, professional assistance should not be put off.
But that’s not the only reason professional service is important when a hot tub leak springs up.
Not only do these technicians have the expertise to quickly diagnose and repair the issue, but they’re invaluable in preserving your warranty.
DIY repairs may seem like a budget-friendly solution, especially if you feel you have the experience to tackle the problem, but unfortunately, this could lead to a void of your warranty, leading to more costly issues in the future.
Before taking any steps to repair your spa yourself, review your warranty’s terms and conditions to ensure you don’t accidentally void it.
Preventative Steps to Keep Hot Tub Leaks At Bay
While this situation certainly isn’t ideal, you’ll be glad to know there are some easy ways you can help reduce the wear and tear on your spa, reducing the likelihood of leaks developing down the road.
Here are some of our top tips to keep your spa in premium condition:
- Maintain proper water chemistry: Improperly treated water can cause significant wear and tear to your system, resulting in corrosion or scale forming throughout pipes and pumps, on your shell, and on your heating element. Keeping your pH between 7.2 and 7.8, and maintaining proper sanitiser levels is a key part of maintaining the condition of your spa.
- Drain and clean your spa regularly: Another aspect of water care is routinely draining and cleaning your spa. While this can vary based on the frequency of use, we recommend performing a water change at least every 3-4 months.
- Use a cover when not in use: Protecting your spa and water from the elements can reduce the wear and tear from exposure. Anytime your spa is not being used, keep a good-quality cover firmly locked in place.
- Perform routine inspections: Knowing the state of your spa’s equipment will help you catch any potential warning signs early on, ensuring you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the problem right away and minimise further damage.
- Keep your filters clean: With every drop of water passing through your filters, keeping them clean is crucial to the basic functioning of your spa. We recommend rinsing them each week, and deep cleaning them once a month with a spray-on, rinse-off, filter cleaner. This will help reduce the strain on the system, keeping everything running smoothly.
Hot Tub Service in Sussex
Whether you’re in need of a professional hot tub technician to diagnose and repair hot tub leaks, or simply want to enhance your maintenance routine with a professional inspection, the experts at Euphoria Lifestyle are here to help.
From water changes and chemistry to installations and repair, we do it all.
With over 75 years of combined experience, we’ve seen it all and have the knowledge to tackle any hot tub problem that may arise.
Contact us today or request service online, and let’s get your hot tub back up and running!